Political Institutions
Understand Pakistan’s principal political and constitutional institutions
Reviewed 2026-10-17
Institutions shape political outcomes
Elections determine representation, but political authority is exercised through institutions governed by the Constitution, legislation, rules and conventions.
- Parliament: the National Assembly and Senate legislate, approve finance and hold the federal executive to account.
- President and federal government: the constitutional head of state and the prime minister-led executive perform distinct functions under the parliamentary system.
- Election Commission of Pakistan: organizes elections and carries out constitutional and statutory electoral duties.
- Courts: interpret the Constitution and decide cases within their jurisdiction.
- Provincial institutions: governors, assemblies, chief ministers and cabinets exercise provincial authority.
- Local government: provincial laws establish elected local systems under Article 140A.